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EXPERIENCED
ACCREDITED
LOCAL

Over 55 plus years of marine-related experience. I've been in the bilge of boats since I was 12 year old.

Accredited by Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors®, Inc (SAMS) #1095 AMS

Located right here in New England, but willing to travel for our clients. Call us with any questions you have!

WHY MARINE SURVEY?

Why Have a Marine Survey Performed?

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A thorough professional survey can provide you with important information on a vessels condition as well as ascertain the vessels suitability for its intended use. Buying a boat is as much an emotional transaction as a financial one. Love may be blind but through the experienced eyes of a professional surveyor, you will be provided with an objective opinion of the vessels condition and value. Most banks and insurance underwriters require a survey on used vessels. They want to know the condition and fair market value of the vessel they insure or finance. But more importantly you need to know, how safe is this vessel for my family and guests?

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How do I Choose a Marine Surveyor?

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Talk with prospective surveyors and ask questions! What standards do they use in their surveys? Do they use American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and United States Coast Guard (USCG) Regulations? What does the survey include, and what type of report will I receive? How long will it take and how much will the survey cost?

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What Will Gulf of Maine Boat Surveyors Do for You?

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We will complete a work order to ascertain vessel information and when you want the survey performed. We will also ask the specific reason for the survey, i.e., a Condition and Valuation Survey for pre-purchase, bank, or insurance requirements. We will then offer a time schedule of the services you contract for and quote the costs involved. You should note that a thorough inspection will be performed and will not be rushed. You will be fully informed of any findings that may require additional inspections. Sea trials are performed at an additional charge at an hourly rate if not conducted the same day of the survey. Remember, a survey conducted in an objective and unbiased manner, can only report what is seen and exists that day and are not guarantees of future performance but can give a degree of confidence when determining the vessels condition and value.

We will produce a professional report, emailed to you, that will be accepted by any finance or insurance company, generally in 48-hours within a 12 hour window.

WHAT WE DO AT THE BOAT THE DAY OF SURVEY
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OUR CLIENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SURVEY AND WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND SO YOU CAN UNDERSTAND YOUR NEW BOAT AND WE CAN DISCUSS ANY FINDINGS OR ISSUES WE UNCOVER AND WHAT THESE MAY MEAN TO YOU GOING FORWARD.
WE STRONGLY BELIEVE YOU HAVING FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR BOAT WILL MAKE YOUR BOATING EXPERIENCES MORE ENJOYABLE.

In the water survey consists of the vessel structural components, decking, ground tackle, electronics, control systems components, engine externals, fuel and water storage, sanitation devices, safety systems, electrical wiring and panels, and the overall appearance and condition. An engine run up is performed for control function and basic engine and transmission operation only. 

Sea trials are performed as per request and are highly recommended.

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On the hard examinations include the in-the-water components and continue to structural component checks above and below the waterline. This includes rudder system, propellers & shafts, through hull fittings, sacrificial anodes, transducers, swim platforms and other externally mounted items.

The engine run up is omitted if the vessel is not launched unless the owner, seller or broker makes the engine ready for running on the hard.

Hulls are sounded and checked for voids, delaminations, osmotic blistering, gel coat and paint condition, previous repairs, and existing damage. Hulls are sighted for moisture intrusion and are checked by approved and recognized moisture meters. We use the Electrophysics GRP 33 moisture meter, a recognized standard in the survey world, as well as an Extech i5 Flir Infrared Thermal Imaging camera to analyze fiberglass and engine heat components. As fiberglass boats get older moisture intrusion as well as delamination issues become more frequent. Components are checked for corrosion, this includes galvanic, chemical, and fluid corrosion, wood electrolysis, and grounding/bonding status.

Engines, generators and other machinery are run for general condition and serviceability only. Fluids are checked and reported. Analysis is available. Further investigation of machinery is also available.

We always recommend the engagement of a factory trained technician at the time of the survey as these newer  engines are equipped with high tech computer and fuel injection systems and require their manufacturers proprietary software to get a complete analysis picture of their use and condition.

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WHAT DOES A SURVEY COST?
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OUR FEES ARE VERY COMPETITIVE AND ONCE WE QUOTE THAT IS THE TOTAL YOU WILL PAY
WE ACCEPT CHECKS, CASH AND CC/DEBIT (4% FEE MAY APPLY)

  • $20 to $30/foot depending on type of survey and size of vessel. Sea trials are included with the base rate or based on an hourly rate if not performed on the same day and a second attendance (day) is required. Please call for your quote, travel is always included in the quote, no hidden fees.

  • Sailboats may cost more as they are a complete power boat with the addition of the rig and sail inspections.

  •             We offer flat rate fees for estate, donation and other valuation only                      requirements
  •             Insurance damage claims, repair monitoring and litigation consulting                   costs are based on time and travel.

  •  If you have any questions regarding a survey or possible consulting  services, please call or email us and we would be glad to discuss your needs.

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